Nov 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after scoring a goal against FC Cincinnati in the first half at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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Lionel Messi Masterclass Fires Inter Miami Into First-Ever Eastern Conference Final

Lionel Messi delivered another vintage performance as Inter Miami stormed into the Eastern Conference final with a dominant 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati on Sunday night. The Argentine superstar scored once and assisted three more, leading Miami to their deepest MLS Cup Playoff run in club history. It was Miami’s second straight 4-0 playoff victory, and once again Lionel Messi was at the center of everything.

The 36-year-old has now produced an astonishing 12 goal contributions in the postseason – an MLS record. Notably, Messi finished the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists. Cincinnati, meanwhile, suffered another painful home exit, falling one match short of the East final for the second consecutive year.

HISTORY MADE. HEADING TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gMpD2gI8W0
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 24, 2025

Mascherano’s decision to bench Luis Suarez and go with a more youthful front four proved decisive again. Teenager Mateo Silvetti shone alongside Messi, scoring once and assisting another. Meanwhile, Tadeo Allende added a brace to cap a ruthless attacking display. Miami now prepares to face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. They are now just one win away from the first MLS Cup appearance in club history.

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Lionel Messi Reaches 1,300 Goal Contributions

Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Jordi Alba intercepted a pass and launched a counter-attack. Silvetti found space on the left flank and curled in a perfect outswinging cross, which Messi attacked with a firm header past Roman Celentano. It was the veteran’s sixth goal in four postseason matches.

LIONEL MESSI LOVES A BIG GAME. ✨

What a move to open the scoring! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/l0L3miaYYZ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 23, 2025

Miami doubled their lead early in the second half with one of their best moves of the night. A quick throw-in found Allende, who spun past his marker and laid the ball off to Messi. The captain produced a clever one-touch pass into Silvetti’s path, allowing the teenager to curl home a superb finish inside the far post.

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Allende struck twice more in the 62nd and 74th minutes. Messi created both goals, first dispossessing Evander to spark a break and later threading inch-perfect passes that split the Cincinnati defense apart. By full time, Messi had been directly involved in all four Miami goals.

The result pushed Messi to 1,300 career goal contributions with 896 goals and 404 assists. Notably, no player in football history has ever reached this milestone.

FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.